A rail union has confirmed there will be further strike action next month but Southern insists it will have no effect on most services.

The RMT has called for all guards and drivers who are members of the union and work for Southern Rail to strike on March 12 which it says is in defence of the role of the guard and against the extension of driver-only operated trains - which were introduced more than a year ago.

Mick Cash, RMT general secretary, said: “RMT is bitterly disappointed that Southern Rail and the Department for Transport continue to reject our call for round table discussions involving all parties with an interest in resolving this dispute.

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“RMT pays tribute to our Southern Rail guards and drivers who have stood firm for nearly two years now in the fight for rail safety despite outrageous abuse and intimidation from the company.

“They are a credit to their communities and to the whole trade union movement as they continue to take action for safety in Britain’s longest running industrial dispute.

Southern (Image: Jack Taylor/Getty Images)

“The union remains ready and waiting for genuine and meaningful talks with all parties.”

In response to this call for action on March 12, Southern says most services will not be affected.

A spokesman for Govia Thameslink Railway, the parent company of Southern, said: “The RMT strike will have no impact on the vast majority of passengers as we expect to run a normal service on most routes.